Wichita school to establish NASA-inspired space program

Wichita  Officials say a Wichita elementary school will be the first in the nation to launch a NASA-inspired space program.

The Wichita Eagle reports the Space Discovery Institute program will give students a hands-on experience with aerospace technology at the Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet Elementary school. Plans call for the school to receive a NASA-grade lunar rover, Mars rover and a space plane.

The school's principal says the program will be a great opportunity for students, who begin learning basic science, technology, engineering and math concepts in kindergarten.

The school four years ago received a $2.1 million federal grant to provide more enhanced science and engineering lessons. That grant funded a flight simulator, weather lab, broadcast studio, teacher training programs, kid-sized lab coats and other equipment.